I’ve set myself the challenge of writing 500 words every day, I know I’m meant to be doing Script Frenzy; but unfortunately life’s been so busy I haven’t been able to start, so I decided to stick to my novel instead. I sometimes get this ache in my chest – don’t worry nothing physically; but its like there’s a whole, empty feeling that I couldn’t shift. I thought it was some kind of emotional ache, the loss of not being able to do all I want to because of my ME. Then I started to write again and it felt better. I’ve realised its not something missing in my life, it’s all the words and stories trapped inside. If I take the time to write, I actually feel better, so much freer and lighter, it’s magical.

The thing is I have to do it every single day. If I miss one, just one, I go back to feeling the ache again. It is the weirdest feeling and one I’m only just realising. At least now I know I can do something about it; but I wonder if anyone else feels like they have to write every single day? If it’s as important a part of their day as say eating? Maybe I’m just nuts, all I know is that writing not only makes me happy; but it seems to be keeping me sane to. That really does sound nuts!

I’ve just joined a group on Facebook for people with chronic illnesses who enjoy creative activities, like arts and crafts, cake making/decorating, photography and writing. A friend set it up and I wasn’t sure what to expect; but it’s really cool. Everybody is sharing things that they have made and done and it’s inspiring to see what incredible things people can create despite being really ill.

I always feel in awe of people who can make things, especially artistic/graphic design people. I can take things and put them together, like patchwork or even scrapbooking; but people who can start with a blank canvas (real or digital) and then turn it into a piece of art is amazing! I guess writing is the literary version of that and I would rather be a writer than an artist; but it would be lovely to be both!

I’m enjoying doing my quilt, which is nearly finished and of course all the writing I’m doing at the moment. It feels so good to be back into writing properly, not just the virtual holiday; but I’m working on a novel and planning my script too – no writing until Script Frenzy in April though.

I’m looking forward to getting more inspiration from the group and the chance to share some of my own work with them.

Yes that’s right I have signed up to do Script Frenzy! Eeek! For those of you that don’t know, it’s an off-shoot of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) with the aim to write 100 pages in 30 days. Doesn’t sound too bad, that’s four pages a day; but I don’t think it will be that easy.

I’ve been umming and ahhing about it for a while; but going on the script writing course yesterday has inspired me. I think it’s a little mad, as I’ve got lots to do for Holidays From Home with the virtual London holiday, that has to be done by the end of July. I’d also love to do a virtual Diamond Jubilee party and I’m doing a virtual party for a friend; but I really want to give this a go and I’m hoping that I can manage it on evenings and weekends. We’ll have to wait and see.

I’m not as determined as I was for NaNoWriMo; but I would really like to complete it. I think I’m going to use the idea I came up with at the course; but I also have a back up story that I had been planning on writing. I’m going to do my best to keep up with my regular blog posts; but I’ll have to see how I go. I’ll probably end up doing a few short status posts about how I’m getting on. Is anyone else doing Script Frenzy? I don’t think there’s anybody near me doing it, which is a shame as I really enjoyed the support and companionship of NaNoWriMo. Let me know if you are and we’ll have to do a bit of online support.

Today I went on my first ever script writing course and it was amazing! The tutor for the course was amazing, so relaxed and interesting, fun to listen to; but also incredibly inspiring! He made me want to write, to venture into the world of plays and to also go on more courses that he runs. He works at the UEA on their creative writing programme, which is hugely respected and has turned out some amazing (and famous) authors. I’ve thought about doing it one day; but I’m not sure it’s exactly what I’m looking for, maybe a little too large, formal and structured. I liked the fact that there were only five people on the course – there were meant to be sixteen! That would have been far too many, as we were pushed for time as it was. It had a relaxed atmosphere, where people felt able to share.

We learnt about the different types of plays and what they need to bring them to life. We even got to watch some scenes from films, to see how certain elements are used for effect. There was a chance to do some creative writing of our own, creating two characters and then having a choice of either doing a page of a screen play or a Treatment – an overview or summary of a story for a screenplay. I couldn’t believe how inspired I felt. I sat for a couple of minutes each time we were given a new exercise and then suddenly all this creativity came from somewhere and my hand could barely move fast enough to write it all down. I ended up with two new ideas for books/plays that I can’t wait to write more about.

I never really thought about script writing before and only went on this course because I was, and still am, considering doing Script Frenzy, an off-shoot of NaNoWriMo. I always assumed I had to write a novel and then see it become a film; but I love the idea of writing my own screenplay. Sometimes I can see the visual much clearer than I can the prose, so this might be an interesting path to take. I quite like the idea of writing both novels and plays. One of the ideas from today I think I’ll use for Script Frenzy if I can find the energy.

I’ve had one of the best days I’ve ever had, it was so much fun and I realised that not only do I love to write; but I love to be part of the creative process, interacting with others, sharing ideas and discussing things, the way we do in book club. I’m looking to find ways to work with the group again, especially the tutor. Whatever happens I’m going to join some kind of writing group, because I’ve realised that it’s what I love to do and it’s such an important part of who I am. I just can’t believe it’s taken this long for me to realise it.